Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong urges residents in Vanua Levu to adopt necessary health precautions to effectively control the spread of typhoid.

Dr Fong said typhoid has always been endemic in the north.

“We have been concerned about the high levels during normal times,” he said.

“When there’s an outbreak it gets even higher, and is more problematic.”

Health inspectors and environmental officers are out in communities engaging in what the ministry calls ‘source reduction’.

“They are looking at water sources, they are looking at food hygiene practices to try and reduce the source,” Dr Fong said.

“They are also screening carriers so they can be treated quickly, that’s short term.”

Dr Fong said people in affected areas must boil drinking water and practise proper basic hygiene.

“They must ensure that cooks practise proper hand washing, and food is stored properly.

“In the medium to longer-term, we will need, and to deploy a vaccination programme in the Northern Division.”

There are more than 10 typhoid cases in Vanua Levu. Six in Nasuva Village, Seaqaqa and five in Waikonadawa Settlement in Nasolo, Bua.

Vaccination 

Typhoid vaccination is scheduled there next month.

Divisional Medical Officer (DMO) Northern Dr Tiko Saumalua said the ministry would be piloting the vaccination programme in the north in an effort to help remedy the spread of typhoid.

Story by: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj